Governor Tim Walz, as everybody knows by now, comes from Minnesota by way of Nebraska. He grew up near the eastern Nebraska town of West Point, which is about forty miles from the small city of Norfolk, the childhood home of Johnny Carson, the quintessential late-night talk show host. Carson’s “The Tonight Show” (later “The […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/13/hereeees-tim-walz/

I’ve been enjoying the romances happening in Glimmer Falls and was excited to dive into A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley. This is the third book in the series and it’s filled with humor, suspense, and delicious banter.

A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire
by Sarah Hawley
Series: Glimmer Falls #3
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful but angry vampire.

Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. But thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleanora’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleanora would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleanora and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

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Plant lover and werewolf, Ben Rosewood, turns his life upside down when he drunkenly bids on, and wins a magical crystal on eBay. When it shows up, he finds himself in possession of a vampire succubus. Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux has been trapped in the crystal for centuries. She is cursed to obey whoever possesses it. The tale that unfolds was fast-paced, entertaining and adorkable.

I loved Ben’s Plant Emporium with a new coffee shop and soon to be theater. Ben’s been living a quiet, perhaps uneventful life as he accomplishes his goals and helps others. Maybe a little too much, as he is feeling stretched. Eleanora shakes things up, and I loved the interaction between the two.

Eleanora agrees to help Ben by performing on stage and Ben agree’s to help her break the curse. Along the way, things get complicated, especially since Eleanora is under a curse. I loved watching these two grow into a couple, fumble and find themselves.

Of course, we see the previous couples and get updates. Ben and Eleanora’s quest to free her took us to some familiar places and trouble ensues. Hawley’s characters are ones you grow to care about and she wraps the tale in swoons and laughter.

I am assuming this was a trilogy, but would welcome more stories set in this world and town. Perfect for readers looking for supernatural small-town romances filled with humor and happily ever afters.

Amazon | Audible

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/a-werewolfs-guide-to-seducing-a-vampire-by-sarah-hawley.html

Take a journey with Candy & Chloe, two adorable French Bulldogs as they get to play ball at their favorite park.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/candy-chloe-love-to-play-ball/

Salvation: Poems on Finding Love Again by Pablo Camacho, an award-winning Puerto Rican author, is a profound collection of poems that delve into themes of belief, personal growth, love, and healing. Drawing from his diverse life experiences, including a military background and extensive travels across the United States and the world, Camacho crafts poetry that resonates deeply with readers seeking solace, encouragement, and the courage to embrace love once more.

More than just a book of poetry, Salvation offers a journey of emotional exploration. Camacho’s poems provide not only comfort and peace but also inspire readers who are mending past wounds or embarking on new relationships. Through his sincere reflections, Camacho invites readers into his world, sharing experiences that evoke a sense of hope and the possibility of renewal. The universal themes in Camacho’s poetry highlight the power of choice in living a life worth documenting. He suggests that wisdom is hidden in every corner of our lives, waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to seek it. Camacho’s writing is marked by its graceful flow and vivid imagery. His use of allegory invites readers to explore deeper layers of meaning within each poem. In To Heal and Fix, for example, Camacho writes of a lover as “a flower planted in the deepest recesses of my heart, roots wrapped around my rib cage, and from my chest, you sprout.” This striking imagery creates an evocative and poignant experience for readers, engaging both the mind and the heart. Similarly, in the brief yet powerful poem Best Friend, the bond between friends is tenderly captured in lines like, “your worries are mine,” and “you are a treasure I will always protect.”

Salvation: Poems on Finding Love Again is a book that I highly recommend to all readers. Both adults and children can learn from Camacho’s mastery of style and rhythm while also discovering a refreshing perspective on love and life. His poetry opens the door to new ways of seeing the world, making this collection a valuable addition to anyone’s reading list.

Pages: 127 | ASIN : B0CW1N5L7Z

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/salvation-poems-on-finding-love-again/

Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story of A Shy Shelter Kitten, by Shain Stodt, is a heartwarming and engaging children’s book that follows the adventure of a young kitten named Sally. When her family moves to a new house, Sally, scared by the noise and commotion, hides and is inadvertently left behind. When she finally emerges from her hiding place, she finds herself alone in an empty house. Hungry and frightened, Sally ventures outdoors in search of food, encountering a garden filled with butterflies, worms, and flowers. She is soon discovered by a kind couple, but her fear drives her to run away, leading her through unfamiliar streets and loud honking cars, further away from home and into a state of being lost. Sally, now far from her loving home, faces uncertainty about her future. What unfolds next is Sally’s journey at the shelter and her subsequent adoption by Fred Mitts.

The story, while beginning with a sad and anxious twist, evolves into a tale of hope and kindness. As a reader, I initially felt heartbroken that Sally’s family left her behind. However, the narrative took me through an emotional journey fraught with anticipation. The moment Sally met Fred Mitts, I shared her skepticism but was relieved and hopeful when Fred took the time to bond with her. His kindness and patience offered a comforting resolution to Sally’s ordeal. Children will undoubtedly be captivated by Sally’s adventure and will root for her to find a new, loving family.

The hand-drawn illustrations by the author add a charming and colorful dimension to the story, making each page visually engaging and enhancing the narrative. The illustrations create a soft and welcoming atmosphere that complements the storyline perfectly.

Sally Mitts Finds A Home: The Story of A Shy Shelter Kitten is an enchanting tale that children will love. The story teaches valuable lessons about kindness, resilience, and finding new beginnings. This book marks the start of what promises to be a delightful series of adventures for Sally and her readers.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CVJYN6DC

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/sally-mitts-finds-a-home/

Grief is a profoundly personal experience, and while there is no universal solution, certain guidelines can help navigate the journey. T.J. Marchitelli, in her deeply personal and poignant book, What Not to Do When Your Husband Dies, offers an insightful guide on coping with grief and life after the loss of a spouse. Drawing from her own experiences, Marchitelli shares intimate stories, particularly the events surrounding her husband’s sudden death. She chronicles their life together, from their meeting in the vibrant Buddhist community of Manhattan to raising a family in East Hampton. This narrative backdrop sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of grief, illustrating how our past and relationships influence our grieving process.

Marchitelli’s writing is both heartfelt and practical. She explores common pitfalls of grief, using her own mistakes and learnings to highlight what others might avoid. This approach makes the book relatable and accessible, offering readers a sense of companionship and understanding. Her reflections on her husband’s sudden death and its immediate aftermath are raw and unfiltered, providing a candid look at the shock and disorientation following such a profound loss. Her honesty about the debilitating nature of grief is refreshing, emphasizing that this book is not a way out but a way through. One of the author’s strengths is maintaining an approachable tone even as she discusses profound loss. She balances personal anecdotes with research-based insights, explaining how grief affects the brain and providing a framework for readers to understand the physical and psychological impacts of loss.

A key takeaway is the importance of self-care and a strong support network. Marchitelli emphasizes that losing a loved one is not a time to test one’s strength but to let others provide support. She suggests mindfulness and meditation as coping tools, adding a spiritual dimension to the narrative. Throughout the book, Marchitelli’s tone remains compassionate and encouraging. She acknowledges the uniqueness of each person’s grief journey while providing universally applicable advice. She hopes to serve as a beacon of light for those navigating the dark and confusing emotions of grief, guiding them toward rebuilding their lives with strength and grace.

Writing about grief with such openness is incredibly brave, and allowing readers into such a personal space is admirable. What Not to Do When Your Husband Dies is emotive, informative, and transformative. Its foundation on real-life experiences, supported by scientific insights, makes it a credible and valuable guide to grief. T.J. Marchitelli’s heartfelt writing is both comforting and helpful, making her unafraid exploration of her own pain a generous gift to her readers.

Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CJKSZ111

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/what-not-to-do-when-your-husband-dies-neuroscience-mindfulness-as-tools-to-navigate-grief/

SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt characters. The story follows Jim Moss, a boy tasked with saving Earth from being discarded. The narrative begins with Jim’s severe aquaphobia, stemming from a near-drowning accident. Fearing he’ll never fulfill his dream of joining the Navy like his hero father, Jim’s life takes a dramatic turn when a giant red and white drinking straw descends from the sky and anchors itself in the Atlantic Ocean, sucking up the battleship his father commands. Together with his inventor uncle, Professor Bartholomew Banks, a crew of fishermen reminiscent of pirates, and a host of extraterrestrial allies, Jim must overcome his fear of water to thwart the alien responsible for Earth’s potential condemnation.

Written in a style reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, complete with a playful nod to the latter via the number 42 bus, this book is ideal for teenagers aged 13-17. The story’s core theme of friendship shines through Jim’s diverse companions—from his loyal friend Ben and his eccentric uncle to the eclectic group of fishermen, stranded aliens, and even the very alien threatening Earth. Jim’s kind-hearted nature leads him to help the giant alien understand the best qualities of humanity, even at great personal risk.

SiP features clean, well-crafted humor, exemplified by playful jabs at Flynn’s appearance, Peg’s wooden leg, Captain Shanty’s exaggerated tales, Hello’s unique voice, Aunt Muriel’s indifference, and Professor Banks’ seemingly impractical inventions. The crisply-written narrative makes for an easy yet impactful read, combining light-hearted moments with touching themes.

SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a captivating and enjoyable read that masterfully blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Through the journey of Jim Moss and his eclectic group of companions, readers are treated to a story that celebrates friendship, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Trevelean’s witty and engaging writing style ensures that both teenagers and adults alike will find much to love in this imaginative tale. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a delightful escape into a world where humor and heroism go hand in hand.

Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0CR75WVNL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/13/sip/